1st laparoscopy - what to expect?

[DuckyBooks]

Hi Everyone,

I've just scheduled my first laparoscopy to investigate endometriosis and I'm terrified. We've come to the laparoscopy in a roundabout way really as we've experienced fertility issues and after two failed rounds of IVF this year and a hysteroscopy to remove a giant polyp in February - I've been recommended a laparoscopy as I had a lot of adhesions and scarring in my uterus in February and mum had endo. I also have a number of the other symptoms of endo.

I have no idea what to expect. It may sound silly but I'm terrified about being in pain afterwards. I don't react well to anaesthetic and the thought of staying in hospital terrifies me. I'm nervous about having gaping wounds in my tummy and a long recovery period.

I think I'm just looking for reassurance as this year has already felt so traumatic.

[AlexaMac]

Hi, l can understand you being apprehensive, but l hope your experience is as mine was.

Please do not feel alone and unlistened to. You will have an attendant nurse who will be with you before your procedure and walk with you to the anaesthesia room. They really are highly qualified and will answer all your queries and worries, mine told me no question is to silly if it puts your mind at ease. So please feel you are able to voice your concerns and they will be happy to ease your journey back to health.

Wishing you soon n your way back to health

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[AlexaMac]

Hi l hope you are doing and feeling a little better than when l left my first reply, l am here if you want to be in touch

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[DuckyBooks in reply to AlexaMac]

Thank you so much for checking in on me and your reassurance. May I ask - what was your recovery like? Did you have an excision or an ablation? I really want to not have it, but I know it is for the best. Thank you again, so sweet of you.

[AlexaMac in reply to DuckyBooks]

Hi l had 2 laparoscopy surgeries in the space of about 10 week. The first l had removal of 4 inch ovarian cyst, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes, that was not so bad had an amazing anaesthetist who ensured l woke pain free, and mostly l had very little pain. Was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks and yes it took most of that time to get back my full strength but l was 76 years old then.

Then about 10 weeks later l had the hysterectomy completed due to them finding cancer in the lining of my womb when my first tests went to labs. Again l awoke pain free and both times l was able to walk to the toilet unaided within about 8 to 9 hours.

Please do ask any questions of your attendant nurse and hopefully go to surgery feeling you are able to cope with t all, best wishes

Alexa 🌸🌸🤭

[DuckyBooks in reply to AlexaMac]

I’m so sorry to hear they found cancer in the lining of your womb. I hope after the surgery this removed all traces and you’ve had no reoccurrences. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[AlexaMac]

Hi l still have to find out if the cancer has popped up anywhere else, this l should get an appointment for in September. CA125 bloods do not detect in me as l had one of those before the first surgery and it did not pick it up.

Wishing you well in your journey

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[Amyrebecca246]

Hi, I've had two laproscopies in the past couple of years to remove cysts. A bit of preparation will help recovery post operation - stock up on painkillers (just paracetamol/ibuprofen was recommended for me), get things to do while recovering (reading, colouring, new music/TV, etc) you may not want to do much straight away but then gradually increase activity as you recover, to begin with you might want help from family and friends - as someone else mentioned you can't drive for a while after but if you get people to take you out so you don't go stir crazy! Get comfy clothes for your recovery too - I usually live in jeans but then tended to sit across my wounds so lived in joggers/leggings for a while. Let the doctors/hospital staff know if you're nervous or are worried about the anaesthetic- they changed mine as I threw up the first time. Both times I was out of hospital after 24 hours of being operated on so it's not a long stay if everything goes well. Bring a few drinks or snacks as hospital food isn't always great.